Steer Clear: The 21 Most Unreliable Car Brands

Choosing a reliable car brand is key to avoiding future headaches and costly repairs. If you want to steer clear of potential trouble, here’s a list of 21 car brands known for their reliability issues.

1. Land Rover

Land Rover is known for luxury, but its vehicles have a reputation for frequent mechanical issues. According to J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study and Consumer Reports, Land Rover consistently ranks among the least reliable brands. Owners report problems with electronics, suspension systems, and engine reliability.

2. Jaguar

Jaguar, like its sibling brand Land Rover, struggles with reliability. Consumer Reports and RepairPal frequently rank Jaguar near the bottom due to electrical issues and high repair costs. Despite its luxury appeal, owning a Jaguar often means dealing with unexpected breakdowns.

3. Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo’s return to the U.S. market brought excitement, but it also brought reliability concerns. J.D. Power ranks Alfa Romeo as one of the least dependable brands, with owners reporting issues with the electrical systems and engines. Despite the brand’s stylish designs, reliability remains a significant drawback.

4. Maserati

Maserati vehicles are synonymous with Italian luxury, but they also come with a reputation for unreliability. RepairPal ranks Maserati poorly due to its high cost of ownership and frequent mechanical failures, particularly in the Ghibli and Levante models.

5. Tesla

Tesla has revolutionized the electric vehicle market, but its cars are not immune to quality control issues. According to Consumer Reports, Tesla ranks low in reliability due to problems with build quality, including paint, trim, and hardware issues. The Model S and Model X are particularly noted for their inconsistent reliability.

6. Jeep

Jeep vehicles are beloved for their off-road capabilities, but they also have a history of reliability issues. J.D. Power consistently ranks Jeep among the least reliable brands, with frequent issues reported in the Cherokee and Renegade models. Transmission problems and electrical issues are common complaints from Jeep owners.

7. Fiat

Fiat has struggled with reliability for years, particularly with the 500 and 500L models. According to Consumer Reports, Fiat consistently ranks near the bottom of reliability studies, with owners reporting frequent mechanical and electrical problems. Fiat’s small cars come with big repair bills.

8. Chrysler

Chrysler’s reputation for reliability has taken a hit in recent years, with models like the Pacifica and 300 experiencing frequent issues. J.D. Power and RepairPal ranks Chrysler as one of the least dependable brands, with common complaints involving transmission and electrical failures.

9. Dodge

Dodge’s muscle cars are iconic, but they are also notorious for reliability issues. Consumer Reports frequently places Dodge near the bottom of its rankings, with models like the Charger and Challenger suffering from engine and transmission problems. Owning a Dodge often means budgeting for higher repair costs.

10. Volvo

Volvo is known for safety, but not necessarily for reliability. J.D. Power and Consumer Reports highlight Volvo’s issues with electrical systems and infotainment failures, particularly in the XC90 and S90 models. Despite its safety features, Volvo’s reliability struggles are well-documented.

11. Cadillac

Cadillac’s luxury vehicles come with high maintenance costs and reliability concerns. Consumer Reports ranks Cadillac low due to issues with electronic systems, including frequent infotainment and transmission problems. The Escalade and XT5 models are particularly noted for their lack of dependability.

12. Subaru

While Subaru is often praised for its all-wheel-drive system, certain models have been plagued by reliability issues. The Forester and Outback have been subject to recalls for engine and transmission problems, causing Subaru to drop in recent reliability studies.

13. Volkswagen

Volkswagen has a history of reliability concerns, particularly with its Jetta and Passat models. J.D. Power and RepairPal rank Volkswagen lower due to issues with electrical systems and transmission failures. Although Volkswagen has improved in recent years, reliability remains a concern for many models.

14. Mini

Mini Coopers are known for their quirky design and driving dynamics, but they’re also known for frequent repairs. According to Consumer Reports, Mini ranks below average for reliability due to problems with engines and transmissions. Mini’s compact cars often require costly repairs.

15. Infiniti

Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand, has struggled with reliability, particularly with its Q50 and QX60 models. J.D. Power ranks Infiniti below average, with common complaints involving the powertrain and electronic systems. Despite its luxury appeal, Infiniti’s reliability issues have hurt its reputation.

16. Buick

Buick’s reliability has fluctuated in recent years, with certain models like the Encore GX experiencing problems. Consumer Reports highlights issues with Buick’s electronics and transmission systems, making it a brand to approach cautiously.

17. Lincoln

Lincoln’s luxury SUVs may look impressive, but their reliability is less so. J.D. Power ranks Lincoln below average, with the Navigator and Aviator models frequently cited for electronic failures and transmission problems. Despite its luxury image, Lincoln struggles with dependability.

18. Genesis

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury brand, has made strides in design and performance, but reliability remains a concern. According to Consumer Reports, Genesis models like the G80 and GV80 have been noted for electrical and engine issues. While Genesis offers luxury at a lower price, reliability is a key area for improvement.

19. Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi’s limited lineup has been plagued by reliability issues, particularly with models like the Outlander. J.D. Power ranks Mitsubishi low for dependability, with common complaints about engine and transmission problems. Despite offering affordable SUVs, Mitsubishi’s reliability record is less than stellar.

20. Acura

Acura, Honda’s luxury division, has seen a decline in reliability in recent years. Consumer Reports highlights issues with models like the TLX and MDX, which suffer from transmission and electronic failures. While Acura has a reputation for performance, its reliability concerns have impacted its standing.

21. Nissan

Nissan has struggled with reliability, particularly with its CVT transmission, which has been a source of numerous complaints. J.D. Power and Consumer Reports rank Nissan below average due to frequent engine and transmission issues in models like the Altima and Rogue.

Choose Wisely

When it comes to car shopping, reliability is a crucial factor that can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. Avoiding these 21 brands, or at least being aware of their potential issues, can help you make a more informed decision and ensure that your next vehicle is a smart investment.

Police Magnet: 7 Cars That Guarantee You’ll Get Pulled Over

Driving certain cars can make you more noticeable to law enforcement, even if you’re abiding by all the rules. Are you driving one of these “police magnets”? Here are seven cars that seem to attract more police attention than others. Police Magnet: 7 Cars That Guarantee You’ll Get Pulled Over

The Classic Cars That Were Total Clunkers

Nostalgia has a funny way of making the past seem better than it was, especially when it comes to cars. But here’s the hard truth: some of those “classic” cars your dad raves about were real clunkers. Here’s a closer look at why some of those so-called “classics” weren’t all they were cracked up to be. The Classic Cars That Were Total Clunkers

The Worst U.S. Cars Ever Made: A Retro List

The U.S. auto industry has produced some incredible vehicles, but not every model was a hit. Here’s a look back at 16 of the worst cars ever made in the U.S., each infamous for its own unique flaws. The Worst U.S. Cars Ever Made: A Retro List

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Yulia Lakeienko.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional advice.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

The images used are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the actual people or places mentioned in the article.